A quality A-10 battle awaits when the Rams of VCU roll into D.C. for a date with George Washington. The Colonials sit at 13-3 and have legitimate NCAA aspirations for the first time in years thanks to two sensational transfers in Isaiah Armwood and Maurice Creek.
Shaka Smart’s crew is a bit deeper than what GW has in terms of its rotation. The Rams are a more high profile program at this point in time and have established a clear identity while Mike Lonergan’s team is still in the process of doing so.
But while VCU appears to be the sexier team and a two point favorite to boot here, there is a lot to like about GW. They enjoy playing at a much slower tempo than what VCU prefers and rank inside the top 100 when it comes to turnover efficiency. They have two guys capable of logging minutes at the point in sophomores Kethan Savage and Joe McDonald.
Outside of a road beat down at the hands of Kansas State, both players have performed well in taking care of the ball this season, a factor which should come in to play plenty here. GW is also quite good on the offensive glass and has to interior bodies with the size to create issues for VCU.
While VCU’s calling card relates to the fact that they are a top ten defense in America, the Colonials are not terribly far behind. They are 58th in national defensive efficiency and present good length coming into this game. VCU’s offense has been as much of a concern as anything for them this year, and only Treveon Graham and Juvonte Reddic provide consistent scoring for this unit.
This is going to be a nail biter of a game that should likely go down to the wire. GW isn’t catching enough points to make them a great bet, but I did have them as the favorite. They are a good team capable of making things happen in this conference, and there is little question that they will be turned up to play one of the division’s best groups.
GW +2
